Issues

Statement by National Security Council Spokesman Mike Hammer on the Travel of General Jones in the Middle East

Posted on Friday January 15, 2010

____________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release
January 15, 2010

White House Statement on Lebanon

From AAI
Posted on Tuesday November 10, 2009

The United States commends Prime Minister Hariri and President Sleiman for their stewardship during the government formation process, and looks forward to working with the next Lebanese government on behalf of the people of Lebanon. We hope that the cabinet statement and government program will reflect a commitment to full implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701. The United States will stand by those partners who share our commitment to Lebanese sovereignty. We look forward to working with a new Lebanese government that is committed to extending its authority over all of Lebanon, and to advancing political and economic reforms that benefit the people of Lebanon. Pursuing these goals presents a clear path towards the advancement of peace and stability, and economic opportunity – both in Lebanon and the region. Lebanon will play a key role in the effort to achieve a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. There can be no lasting solution in the region reached at Lebanon’s expense.

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Statement on Lebanon

Posted on Monday July 27, 2009

Assessing the Impact of Lebanon’s June 7th Parliamentary Elections

Posted on Wednesday June 17, 2009

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) hosted a panel of Middle East academics to discuss the impact of the Lebanese election on Lebanon, the region, and the U.S. The panel consisted of Graeme Bannerman, founder of Bannerman Associates and an adjunct scholar at the Middle East Institute; Steven Heydemann, special adviser to the Muslim World Initiative at USIP; and Randa Slim, a Jennings Randolph Guest Scholar at USIP. The panel was moderated by Mona Yacoubian, Lebanon Working Group director and Muslim World Initiative special adviser.

Lebanese Victor's Toughest Dilemma

From www.washingtonpost.com
Posted on Thursday June 11, 2009

In four tumultuous years, Saad Hariri, the billionaire at the center of Lebanese politics, has weathered his father’s assassination, a war with Israel and a near civil collapse when the Shiite Hezbollah party seized the country’s capital by force.

But in rebounding with an unexpected win in Sunday’s parliamentary election, the 39-year-old politician faces one of his most difficult dilemmas yet, according to allies and local political analysts. If, as expected, he becomes the nation’s next prime minister, he will be left to reconcile the anti-Hezbollah rhetoric of his campaign with the Islamist group’s continued power to make demands and set its own course in confronting Israel.

Lebanon: Results of Parliamentary Elections

From L’ORIENT-LE JOUR
Posted on Tuesday June 9, 2009

We have translated and reformatted the results of the 2009 parliamentary elections, as printed in today’s L’ORIENT-LE JOUR. The Majority and the Centrist allies took 71 seats (out of 128) and the Opposition took 57 seats.

Arab Americans and Lebanon

Posted on Thursday October 23, 2008

AAI Statement on the Situation in Lebanon - May 16, 2008

Posted on Friday May 16, 2008

Recent events in Lebanon demonstrate how, when left unresolved, a contentious, sectarian political stalemate can deteriorate into violence and turmoil teetering on the brink civil war. While absolutely tragic, these developments should not come as a surprise to American policymakers. The United States missed a crucial opportunity in the nascent stages of the ‘Cedar Revolution’ to support the Lebanese people in their movement towards national unity, an act of diplomatic negligence that exemplifies the failure of U.S. policies in the Middle East under the current administration. Immediately at stake is a narrowing window of opportunity to achieve much-needed reform and reconciliation in Lebanon.

Who are Lebanese-Americans?

Posted on Tuesday October 17, 2006

Lebanese immigrants have been settling in the U.S. since the late 19th century, making them the largest subgroup of Arabic speaking immigrants in America.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau*, approximately one-third of persons reporting Arab ancestry were Lebanese. AAIF estimates that at least one million Americans are of Lebanese heritage.

Sununu Statement Regarding Lebanon Private Sector Initiative

Posted on Monday September 25, 2006

WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senator John Sununu (R-NH), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding President Bush’s meeting with a Presidential delegation of American business leaders who have joined forces to help rebuild Lebanon following the recent conflict with Israel.

Senate Votes on the Feinstein Amendment on the Use of Cluster Bombs

Posted on Thursday September 7, 2006

Amendment rejected by Senate by a Vote of 30-70

On September 6, the Senate rejected an amendment offered by Senators Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) calling for the protection of “civilian lives from unexploded cluster munitions” by preventing US tax dollars from being spent to acquire, utilize, sell, or transfer cluster munitions. The final vote was 30 in favor, 70 opposed.

AAI urges all its friends to:

1) Contact Senator Feinstein and thank her for her amendment on cluster bombs

2) Contact your senators. Thank them if they voted in favor and express your disappointment if they opposed the amendment. Find your senators phone numbers by clicking here.

US Leadership Can Lead To Comprehensive Peace

Posted on Wednesday August 16, 2006

Lobby Day Resources on Lebanon

Posted on Tuesday August 15, 2006

Support Senator Chafee's Call for a Ceasefire!

Posted on Wednesday August 9, 2006

Hundreds of you responded to our call to action thanking Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) for his recent speech calling for a ceasefire in Lebanon and advocating a responsible US foreign policy. It’s important that other elected officials with the courage to speak out receive support from Arab Americans and those who support peace. Like Hagel, Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), chairman of the Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs subcommittee on Senate Foreign Relations, has been a staunch advocate for peace in the region and increased US engagement. Chafee was the only member of his party to vote against the Iraq war.

Every American Who Wants to Depart Will Be Helped

From US Embassy in Beirut Press Release
Posted on Thursday July 20, 2006

“Helping Americans Depart Safely is our First Priority.”

The U.S. Government is using all resources possible to facilitate the speedy and safe departure of American citizens currently in Lebanon using every means available. The departure of every single American citizen who wishes to leave Lebanon is the first priority for the U.S. Government. The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense are ensuring that all available military, civilian, and private sector resources in the region are being directed to accomplish this goal. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has made possible the departure of over 1,500 American citizens via helicopter and cruise ship in the past four days. Urgent medical need cases are still the first priority.